In the current political and economic climate it is essential that young people from all walks of life can access culture and the arts, not just the privileged few. As a boy growing up in a small Welsh steel town, watching films had a profound effect on me. Films have educated me as much as school has and I think an initiative like Into Film, which enables all young people, regardless of their background, to watch, discuss and make films, is invaluable.

Michael Sheen, Actor and Into Film Ambassador

Into Film CEO Paul Reeve spoke at the event, and we were also delighted to welcome Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education in Wales, who spoke passionately about the work we do in Wales. "Into Film encourages schools to use film as a powerful part of teaching and learning", said the cabinet secretary. "It is highly encouraging that Into Film's work programme is currently going into almost two thirds of schools in Wales providing extra-curricular film clubs in our schools, supporting staff with teaching resources and training opportunities."

Also speaking was leading thinker in education and consultant on educational innovation, Professor Graham Donaldson, who was commissioned by the Welsh Government to carry out a comprehensive review of the curriculum in Wales. Several schools from across Wales attended the event to witness their work on display, and there were presentations from Llanharan Primary and Ysgol Pennant, who spoke about the benefits of a recent Media Literacy pilot project they participated in, which was developed to increase digital literacy and link to new curriculum developments.

Arts and creativity are essential components to a well-rounded education and can be potent tools for teachers to engage learners and inspire young minds.

Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education in Wales

Free to download - and available in both English and Welsh - our newly launched Wales on Film resources showcase and celebrate the breadth of film created in Wales or featuring Welsh talent. The main focus is on Welsh culture, language, history and social issues, and there is a Primary (7-11) and a Secondary (11-14) version. Each version features 3-4 films, with one Welsh-language film included in both. The resources have been linked to the current curriculum and the Digital Competencies Framework.

Taking place on 9 November, the event coincided with the launch of this year's Into Film Festival, which is hosting almost 200 screenings and events across Wales, from Newport to Anglesey. Tickets are free, and some events still have places available - browse our Festival programme to find out if there are any screenings in Wales near you.

Join your film club?

Starting an Into Film Club?

If you're an educator working with young people aged 5-19 and are considering starting your very own FREE Into Film Club, then continue below to discover more about the wide range of free films and fantastic benefits available to you.